Magnetic clasp for purse

ABSTRACT

A magnetic clasp for a purse is described that can advantageously aid those with limited dexterity by only requiring the connectors to be brought into proximity to engage the magnetic locking mechanism. The magnetic clasp includes a first magnetic connector and a second magnetic connector. The magnet of the first connector can move relative to the magnet of the second connector. The second magnetic connector can include a pin that aligns and accommodates the rotation of the first magnet between a first locked position and a second unlocked position.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to connecting devices for hand held bags and more specifically to magnetic clasps that secure portions of hand held bags together.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Connecting devices for hand held bags typically integrate an ornamental outer component with a fastener such as a zipper, snap, bayonet and/or biased connector. Less common are magnetic connectors that secure portions of a bag together. Magnetic connectors can be a primary fastening device or as a secondary component of a fastening device. The strength of magnetic connectors can make a strong engagement between the connectors, but magnetic connectors lack a mechanical system that easily aligns the connectors for engagement and readily disengages the magnets when desired. In particular, disengaging the magnets by overpowering the magnetic attraction for persons with reduced dexterity can be especially difficult.

The present disclosure provides a magnetic clasp that overcomes the problems of engagement and the strength required for the disengagement of the magnetic clasp by utilizing mechanical systems that align the connectors of the clasp for engagement and enable the easy disengagement of the magnetic clasp.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A magnetic clasp for use with a purse is described that comprises a first connector attached to a first portion of a purse. The first connector includes a first magnet that has at least two oppositely charged magnetic poles.

A second connector is attached to a second portion of the purse that includes a second magnet with at least two oppositely charged magnetic poles. Alignment means is connected to one of the connectors for aligning the connectors.

The magnetic clasp has a locked position that includes the two magnets aligned by the alignment means and the at least two magnetic poles of the first connector are positioned in proximity to the at least two magnetic poles of the second connector. The polarity of the at least two poles of the first connector in the first position is unlike the polarity of each of the respective proximate magnetic poles of the second connector.

The magnetic clasp also has an unlocked position that includes the at least two magnetic poles of the first connector being positioned in proximity to the at least two magnetic poles of the second connector. The polarity of the at least two poles of the first connector is like the polarity of the proximate magnetic poles of the second connector in the second position. The first magnet is movable relative to the second magnet between the first position and the second position.

The alignment means includes a pin on one connector and the opposed connector defines an aperture that receives the pin. The locked position includes the first connector aligned by the alignment means and at least partially rotatable relative to the second connector between the locked position and the unlocked position. The alignment means preferably includes a housing that aligns the first magnet and the first magnet rotates relative to the second magnet between the locked position and the unlocked position.

The magnetic clasp can further include a handle connected to at least one of the connectors. The second connector can have a housing that includes a base attached to the purse and the alignment means. The first connector preferably defines an aperture and the housing of the second connector can include a pin that aligns the first magnet. The pin can also align the first and second magnets. At least one of the connectors preferably includes a reduced friction means. The reduced friction means can include the use of bearings.

The magnetic clasp that secures portions of a purse together can also comprise a first connector attached to a first portion of a purse and a first magnet. The first magnet has at least two opposed magnetic poles and friction reducing means.

A second connector is attached to a second portion of the purse and further includes a housing and a second magnet. The second magnet has at least two opposed magnetic poles. The housing includes alignment means that receive and align the first connector.

The clasp has a first position that includes the at least two magnetic poles of the first connector being positioned in proximity to the at least two magnetic poles of the second connector. The polarity of the at least two poles of the first connector is unlike the polarity of the proximate magnetic poles of the second connector.

A second position includes the at least two magnetic poles of the first connector in proximity to the at least two magnetic poles of the second connector. The polarity of the at least two poles of the first connector is like the polarity of the proximate magnetic poles of the second connector. The first magnet is rotatable relative to the second magnet between the first position and the second position.

The first connector of the magnetic clasp can further include a handle. The friction reducing means can include bearings and/or fluropolymer coatings. The housing can include a key to align the magnetically charged poles of the first magnet in the first position relative to the magnetically charged poles of the second magnet.

A method for engaging and disengaging a magnetic clasp that comprises the step of providing a first connector and a second connector. The first connector is attached to a first portion of a purse and includes a first magnet. The second connector is attached to a second portion of the purse and includes a housing and a second magnet. The first magnet and the second magnet have at least two magnetic poles.

The method also includes the step of engaging the engaging the first magnet with second magnet such that the unlike poles of the magnets are in proximity and attract to fasten the connectors in a first engaged position.

The method further includes the step of disengaging of the first magnet from the second magnet that includes rotating the first magnet relative to the second magnet and reducing the friction between the connectors to position the like poles of the magnets in proximity and repel the connectors apart in a second disengaged position.

The step of engaging can further include aligning the first connector with the housing of the second connector. The first magnet can be rotatingly moved between the engaged position and the disengaged position. The step of disengaging can further comprise reducing the friction between the first magnet and the second magnet during the movement of the first connector between the engaged and disengaged positions. The step of disengaging further comprises using a handle for moving the first magnet relative to the second magnet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects and the attendant advantages will become readily apparent by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a magnetic clasp for purse in a first position constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the magnetic clasp of FIG. 1 in a second disengaged position;

FIG. 3 is a close-up side perspective view of a partial cross-section along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 1 that shows the magnetic clasp in the first engaged position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of a magnetic clasp 10 for purse includes a first magnetic connector 20 and a second magnetic connector 40. First connector 20 is fastened to a first portion 5 of purse 3 and second magnetic connector 40 is fastened to a second portion 7 of purse 3. Magnetic clasp for purse 10 has a first or locked position with first portion 5 and second portion 7 of purse 3 engaged due to the proximity of the unlike charged poles of their respective magnetic connectors 20 and 40.

Purse 3 is shown as a typical woman's purse, but it is understood that purse 3 can be any type of carrying bag to include briefcases, containers, enclosures, satchels and carrying cases. First portion 5 can be a flap, cover or lid as well as a strap, tie, zipper or handle that is coupled to first connector 20.

As shown in FIG. 2, magnetic clasp 10 is in a second or unlocked position with first portion 5 and second portion 7 disengaged due to the proximity of the like charged poles of magnetic connectors 20 and 40. In this one preferred embodiment, first connector 20 can be attached directly to a portion 5 that is a fastener such as a zipper or indirectly to the zipper using a line or strap, for example. First connector 20 is preferably rotated relative to second connector 40 from the first position to the second position such that the like charged poles of magnetic connectors 20 and 40 are in proximity. The proximal positions of the like charges of the magnetic poles in the second position magnetically repels first connector 20 and first portion 5 apart from second connector 40 and second portion 7 of purse 3.

Referring now to FIG. 3, first magnetic connector 20 includes a first magnet 24 and second magnetic connector 40 includes a second magnet 44. Magnets 24 and 44 each have opposed ends that define at least one positively charged pole (+) and at least one negatively charged pole (−). In this preferred embodiment, magnets 24 and 44 have two poles and require a rotation of approximately one hundred and eighty degrees to change between the first and second positions. It is understood that connectors 20 and 40 can be configured with any arrangement of magnets and can require any number of any type of movement, to include any number of angular degrees of rotation, to move between the first and second positions of magnetic clasp 10.

Continuing with this preferred embodiment, magnetic clasp for purse 10 is shown in the second position with the like charged poles of connectors 20 and 40 in proximity. This provides sufficient repelling force to unlock and disengage connectors 20 and 40.

Magnet 24 preferably has a generally planar face surface 26 that includes opposed poles oriented towards second connector 40. Magnet 24 can also define a centrally positioned aperture 25. Connector 20 preferably includes a frame 23 that is attached to magnet 24 and movably connected with first portion 5 of purse 3.

In this preferred embodiment handle 28 is connected to magnet 24 and portion 5 is a line or strap connected to a zipper of purse 3. Handle 28 assists in the movement of connector 20 between the first and second positions. Handle 28 can be a ring or protuberance extending from first connector 20 that is suitable for engaging or holding using one hand. Handle 28 preferably rotates between an extended position and a position approximately flush to purse 3, but handle 28 can also be fixedly positioned on magnet 24. For example, handle 28 can be a recess in connector 20 suitable for engagement by one or more fingers or a pen tip, for example, that assists in the relative movement between first magnet 24 and second connector 40. In addition, in this preferred embodiment connector 20 can act as a portion of a handle that assists in the opening and closing of the zipper.

Second connector 40 includes a base 41 and a second magnet 44. A frame 43 preferably attaches magnet 44 to base 41. Base 41 and/or frame 43 can compose a housing 42 of connector 40 that is preferably fixedly attached to portion 7. First connector 20 and second connector 40 can be attached to their respective portions 5 and 7 using any manner of fastening including adhesives, sewing and/or heat bonding, for example.

Housing 42 can include a pin 48 that is preferably connected to base 41 and centrally positioned to extend through an aperture 45 defined in magnet 44. Pin 48 advantageously provide an alignment mechanism for first connector 20 and/or magnet 24 and has a length that at least partially extends through first connector 20 in the first position and preferably extends at least substantially through the first connector. The extended length of pin 48 enables a load bearing function. Pin 48 can have any shape of tip including flat or rounded to assist in the initial alignment of first connector 20. In addition, at least a distal portion of pin 48 and first connector 20 can be keyed to align magnet 24 in the first position.

In this preferred embodiment, second magnet 44 has a generally planar face 46 that has radially opposed poles that mate with planar face 26 of first magnet 24. Second magnet 44 also defines an aperture 45 that receives pin 48. Pin 48 aligns connector 20 with connector 40 and provides an axis for the rotation of magnet 24. Pin 48 also assists in the alignment of magnet 24 relative to magnet 44 in the first and/or second positions.

As shown in FIG. 4, magnetic clasp for purse 10 in a second preferred embodiment can also include first connector 20 further having a housing 22. Housing 22 preferably has a base 21 that includes an axially rotating mechanism that fixedly connects to first portion 5 of purse 3 and a frame 23 that is connected to and rotates with magnet 24. Handle 28 can be attached to frame 23 and/or magnet 24.

The movement of frame 23 and magnet 24 relative to base 21 and/or second connector 40 can be assisted by a friction reducing mechanism 30 such as non-stick solid lubricants, fluropolymers, wet lubricated surfaces and/or bearings.

Continuing with FIG. 4, second connector 40 has housing 42 that includes base 41, frame 43 and pin 48. Pin 48 is shown positioned at least partially in and aligning magnet 24 with magnet 44. Housings 22 and 42 can be made from any material, but are preferably made from non-magnetic materials.

In an alternative embodiment, magnets 24 and 44 have at least two poles and can have any shape that interface to magnetically engage and/or lock connectors 20 and 40 together. In addition, housing 42 can omit pin 48 and alternatively have an annular shape that receives, aligns and accommodates the relative rotation between magnets 24 and 34. Housing 42 and/or pin 48 preferably have an alignment and structural integrity that assists in retaining and supporting a load placed on magnets 24 and 44 that is approximately parallel to faces 26 and 46. Similarly, magnets 24 and 44 can be at least partially structurally interconnected in the first position to provide the same support. It is also understood that first magnet 24 could be fixed and second magnet 44 rotate in cooperation with a portion of housing 42.

In operation, attaching connectors 20 and 40 of magnetic clasp 10 together to close purse 3 can be a difficult task for those with diminished dexterity such as the disabled, young or elderly. The present invention overcomes these disadvantages by readily allowing a user to close connectors 20 and 40 together with relative ease due to their magnetic strength.

A user only has to bring connector 20 in the first position within a predefined proximity with respect to connector 40 and then let the magnetic fields engage and lock connectors 20 and 40 together. Pin 48 is preferably used to align first connector 20 with second connector 40.

In the first position of the preferred embodiment of the magnetic clasp for purse 10, the unlike charged poles of magnets 24 of connector 20 and magnet 34 of connector 40 are aligned and brought into proximity in opposed relation. Pin 48 and connector 20 can be keyed and include a specialized interface such as a mating thread or tongue and groove that accommodate the positioning of connector 20 along the axis defined by housing 42/pin 48 that assists in orienting connector 20 in the first position and does not preclude rotation. The distal end of pin 48 can be keyed, for example, for the initial engagement and then the keying tapered off with the increasing proximity of the connectors. The engagement of connectors 20 and 40 is augmented by the proximity of the magnetic fields of the unlike charged poles of magnets 24 and 44 that draw connectors 20 and 40 into the locked position.

Magnetic clasp for purse 10 is then moved to the second position such that the like charged poles of magnets 24 and 44 are in proximity. In this preferred embodiment, handle 28 is used to rotate magnet 24 approximately one hundred and eighty degrees relative to magnet 44 to place the like charged poles in proximity. Connectors 20 and 40 then repel and disengage from each other due to the proximity of the like charges of their poles.

Magnetic clasp for purse 10 can be closed by directly interfacing magnetic connectors 20 and 40 in the first position or by rotating handle 28 approximately one hundred and eight degrees from the second position to the first position to align and place in the proximity the unlike poles of magnets 24 and 34. As the poles of magnets 24 and 34 are rotated and the unlike poles are placed in proximity, connectors 20 and 40 attract, engage and lock magnetic clasp for purse 10 in the first position.

It is readily apparent that the above-described fitting device meets all of the objects mentioned above and has the advantage of wide commercial utility. It should be understood that the specific form of the invention hereinabove described is intended to be representative only, as certain modifications within the scope of these teaching will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Accordingly, reference should be made to the following claims in determining the full scope of the invention. 

1. A magnetic clasp for use with a purse that comprises: a first connector attached to a first portion of a purse, the first connector includes a first magnet that has at least two oppositely charged magnetic poles; a second connector attached to a second portion of the purse, the second connector includes a second magnet that has at least two oppositely charged magnetic poles; a locked position that includes the at least the two magnetic poles of the first connector in proximity to the at least two magnetic poles of the second connector such that the polarity of the at least two poles of the first connector is unlike the polarity of each of the respective proximate magnetic poles of the second connector; and an unlocked position that includes the at least two magnetic poles of the first connector in proximity to the at least two magnetic poles of the second connector such that the polarity of the at least two poles of the first connector is like the polarity of the proximate magnetic poles of the second connector, the first magnet movable relative to the second magnet between the locked position and the unlocked position.
 2. The magnetic clasp of claim 1, wherein alignment means includes a pin on one connector and the opposed connector defines an aperture that receives the pin.
 3. The magnetic clasp of claim 1, wherein the locked position includes the first connector aligned by the alignment means and at least partially rotatable relative to the second magnet between the locked position and the unlocked position.
 4. The magnetic clasp of claim 1, wherein the alignment means includes a housing that aligns the first magnet and the first magnet rotates relative to the second magnet between the locked position and the unlocked position.
 5. The magnetic clasp of claim 1 that further includes a handle connected to at least one of the magnets.
 6. The magnetic clasp of claim 1, wherein the second connector has a housing that includes a base that is connected to the purse and a pin that aligns the magnets of the connectors.
 7. The magnetic clasp of claim 6, wherein the first magnet defines an aperture and the housing includes a pin that aligns the first magnet during rotation between the first position and the second position.
 8. The magnetic clasp of claim 1, wherein at least one of the connectors includes a reduced friction means.
 9. The magnetic clasp of claim 8, wherein the reduced friction means includes the use of bearings.
 10. A magnetic clasp that secures portions of a purse together that comprises: a first connector attached to a first portion of a purse, the first connector includes a first magnet that has at least two opposed magnetic poles and friction reducing means; a second connector attached to a second portion of the purse, the second connector includes a housing and a second magnet that has at least two opposed magnetic poles, the housing aligns the first connector; a first position that includes the at least two magnetic poles of the first connector in proximity to the at least two magnetic poles of the second connector such that the polarity of the at least two poles of the first connector is unlike the polarity of the proximate magnetic poles of the second connector; and a second position that includes the at least two magnetic poles of the first connector in proximity to the at least two magnetic poles of the second connector such that the polarity of the at least two poles of the first connector is like the polarity of the proximate magnetic poles of the second connector, the first magnet rotatable relative to the second magnet between the first position and the second position.
 11. The magnetic clasp of claim 10, wherein the first connector further includes a handle.
 12. The magnetic clasp of claim 10, wherein the friction reducing means includes bearings.
 13. The magnetic clasp of claim 10, wherein the friction reducing means includes fluropolymer coatings.
 14. The magnetic clasp of claim 10, wherein the housing includes a key that at least initially align the magnetically charged poles of the first connector in the first position relative to the magnetically charged poles of the second connector.
 15. The magnetic clasp of claim 10, wherein the housing of the second connector includes a pin that aligns the first connector between the first position and the second position.
 16. The magnetic clasp of claim 10, wherein the first connector includes a frame that rotates with the first magnet and a base that is fixed to the first portion of the purse.
 17. A method for engaging and disengaging a magnetic clasp comprising: providing a first connector adapted to attach to a first portion of a purse, the first connector including a first magnet that has at least two opposed magnetic poles, a second connector adapted to attach to a second portion of the purse, the second connector includes a housing and a second magnet; engaging the first magnet with second magnet such that the unlike poles of the magnets are in proximity and attract to fasten the connectors in a first engaged position; and disengaging the first magnet from the second magnet by moving the first magnet from the first position and reducing the friction between the connectors to position the like poles of the magnets in proximity and repel the connectors apart in a second disengaged position.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of engaging further includes aligning the first connector with the housing of the second connector.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the first magnet is rotatingly moved between the engaged position and the disengaged position.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of disengaging further comprises reducing the friction between the first magnet and the second magnet during the movement of the first connector between the engaged and disengaged positions.
 21. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of disengaging further comprises using a handle for moving the first magnet relative to the second magnet. 